Saint Nicholas of Metsovon

† May 16, 1617

1. His Homeland.

Everyone knows of the famous city of Metsovon.1 It was built at the foot of a great
cliff on the southern slopes of the Pindos Mountains. It boasts of its magnificent location, for
on one side lies a deep canyon where the Metsovon river flows, and on the other side, the
snow-covered mountains of Katara and Prophet Elias. It is a beautiful city. When seen from a
distance, it looks as if it stretches out in an effort to reach heaven so that it will live in
its bosom even though for the greater part of the year it is adorned with its all white
snow-covered apparel.

The white garment appears to be the characteristic identity of its citizens. Honest and simple
people, radiant souls with sound ideals of country and faith. People that one could easily
approach. That one could exchange a warm and sincere greeting. They are polite, courteous and
hospitable.

In that town Nicholas was born, toward the end of the sixteenth century. The day of his birth
is unknown. In none of the biographical notes is there such information or reference. One thing
that we know for certain is that Nicholas was the son of pious parents. In the world his parents
were simple and unimportant. But they were known and important before God. In their hearts their
faith preserved alive the love toward God the Father. And their acts were an expression of that
faith. And their main concern was to please Him to Whom they owed everything.

It is certain that they handed down that treasure to their offspring which God had given them.
Many times both father and mother probably spoke to young Nicholas about the Almighty Who rules
the world and mankind. Prime examples, the proud mountains which stand as champions and their
massive size and awesome endurance. Above all things, my boy, is God. He is greater than these
mountains. He is more white and bright than the snow, more stable in virtue than granite and all
the proud peaks.

And the young Nicholas received the lessons of love towards God from his illiterate but
faithful father and his respectful and simple mother. There they sat before the fireplace and the
oil lamps with its trembling light and gazed to their son, the Light of the world, that is,
Christ, the Light that enlightens every man and makes his life luminous and successful. They
marked the road towards the heights of the true life and led him towards Him Who is the truth,
the way, and the life.

Indeed, how wonderful becomes the training of the child by parents when it is based upon the
whole truth! How certain it is that the seeds will bear forth fruit, and the fruit will hasten to
come forth. Satisfaction and joy will follow the toils and burdens. This act does not become
tiresome and joyless. It is joyous and lively. It has a certain meaning about it, and an
inexhaustible freshness. It assumes a nature of creativity and progress.

The soul of Nicholas received all the knowledge. A receptive soul, it allowed the seed to fall
on its interior world so that it would give forth sometimes thirty fold, other times seventy
fold, and others, one hundred. It gathered in its treasure house not material treasures, but
spiritual ones which cannot be changed or altered.

2. His Entry into the World.

Being reared with eternal truths, the boy blossomed forth. Quickly he became a young man. He
was the pride of his parents and the pride of Metsovon. But as he came to know himself, he also
became familiar with the world that he was forced to live in. He saw the poverty of his house. He
noticed the tyranny of the conqueror who made everyone live as slaves and as bondsmen in chains.

He understood that he had to work very hard in order to live. He had to toil side by side with
his father, and he had to support and comfort his mother. He never weakened. He never laid down
his arms in the difficult struggle of life. He followed his father. When the father went to work,
Nicholas went with him. Sometimes to the forest for firewood, and other times to the hillsides to
make contour tracts and preserve what little soil there was for farming.

Sometimes they worked in town, and other times on the mountains, winter and summer. One day
they were singed by the sun, and the other they were threatened by winter. Winter meant wind,
snow, frost and stormy weather. All the elements of nature were against them. At times, one would
think that they would be wiped off the face of the earth.

Nicholas endured all these things. The only thing that his youthful mind could not understand
was the restrictions that they tyrants imposed upon their Christian Faith. When Sunday came
along, they could not go to church and worship as their hearts wished. They spent the great feast
days locked up in their homes. Only prayer and the lamp that trembled before their icons bore
witness to the fact that they were Christians and believed in the holy religion of
Christianity.

Oftentimes, he would ask his father, Why so many restrictions? In what manner does our Faith
and life disrupt the Turks?

And he, with a simple mind, replied to his son, My boy, they cannot tolerate us because we
have the true Faith. We have a true God. They hate us because theyre confused and they keep human
and false beliefs.

Never-the-less, father and son never neglected to open the door of a church which was in the
wilderness on their way home from work. At such an opportunity, Nicholas heard his father for the
first time recite the Lords Prayer out loud kneeling before the icon of the Almighty. He also
bent his head forward and heard his fathers heart as he praised God and two lips that recite with
piety the best glory hymn of a humble heart of one laborer. A hymn which was heard by the birds,
and they sang along. The wind carried it and dispersed it through all nature.

Therefore, every time they passed by the little church which was hidden in the dark forest,
precisely at the turn of the road, Nicholas begged his father that they might stop and visit it
so that they would enjoy the spiritual experience which was the result of their simple and humble
prayer. And his father never disappointed him. Even though his son asked for favors. He asked to
recite the Lords Prayer, and he too would add a few words of supplication.

Nicholas had no difficulty. He decided that he would act according to his deepest intuition.
He always recited the Lords Prayer. After that he would never forget that prayer. On the
contrary, that moment would serve as the guiding light in the future so that hed stay on the
right path in the passage of life. And if he ever lost it, once more he would find it.

Today thy holy memory has arrived as a
spiritual spring refreshing our souls, oh holy New-martyr Nicholas. Therefore we have assembled
to honor and extol your struggles, and with exaltation we cry: Hail thou imitator of the ways of
the old martyrs. Hail thou oh date palm newly sprouted and laden with fruit, and warm comforter
of Trikkala. Hail thou drivest out the locusts with haste and the scourge of maladies and
epidemics. As thou hast authority before Christ, intercede at all times for our souls.

3. Seeking Employment.

Thus passed the years of his early youth in Metsovon. Now he knew all his strengths. He
realized he could do much more for himself and his parents. The limited environment at Metsovon
did not benefit him any. He was ready to open his wings and fly. To seek for work and progress.
For this reason he listened to stories told by other young men who had returned from the
diaspora. How they departed, where they went, what type of work they did in their place of
migration. Some had been successful. They returned with wealth and gave comfort to their elderly
parents. Some of them had made acquaintances and a name for themselves in those distant and
strange lands.

Little by little the thought that he should go to another land had become permanent. As
everyone else, me too he thought. I shall take God and His Mother with me and I shall go.

Prudent as he was, he did not neglect to tell his father his thoughts and to get his opinion
and advice. Dear father: I too shall go away to a strange place, so that I may work, prosper, and
be able to give you rest.

And that father stood there and looked at his son. He could not imagine that so soon he would
be separated from his son. Then he took him nigh, held his hand tightly and said to him, My boy,
diaspora has many perils. It is not a utopia. Even though youll find a job and make a living, the
dangers to your soul threaten you and they easily captivate young mens souls. My good boy, dont
rush too much. Stay with us a little longer. We live in poverty here. But you are more secure and
peaceful.

When he finished talking, there was a dead silence. Father and son were in each others grasp
for a long time. Not a sound was heard. Youd think that nature itself respected the sanctity of
that moment. The fathers sigh interrupted the silence. And a tear could be seen rolling down his
cheek.

The boy gathered strength and answered to the request of his father. I will listen to you. Ill
stay a little bit longer, but not very long. When everything is ready, then with your blessings
Ill go.

And indeed, the moment came soon. Nicholas was to leave with other relatives and villagers for
Trikkie. There he was told there were jobs. It was a big city. In the midst of a fertile valley,
and it had a prosperous economy. There he would easily find a job.

When the time came, he took a few things. He took the blessing of his father and mother, and
departed with his company. Some traveled on foot, and others on horseback. They started uphill
towards the small auchena. They climbed a narrow path which seemed endless. Most of them were
young. Some of them had gone away before. Nicholas was the only one who set his first steps on
that distant land. That is why every so often he turned and looked at his village. In fact, one
time he fell behind. He could not stop looking at his village as if he were trying to single out
his house and parents.

His company continued upward to the ascent. They took the last turn, and the village was lost
from their eyes. They were in the midst of the mountain. Sometimes ascending, sometimes
descending. A continuous journey of many hours, their only companions were the mighty mountains
and the trickle of the waters that ran happily and with force in the streams.

At last they arrived at the big auchena. There along the boundaries of Epiros and Thessaly.
There towards the east, the great monoliths of the Meteora are visible to the eye. Towards the
west, the ageless peaks of the historical Pindos. There, said someone out of the group, what
appears before us is the Meteora. And Nicholas, who had heard stories from his father about the
monasteries of Meteora, stretched out his ear so that he could hear the speaker. There arose in
his heart the desire to visit them. How could the young man imagine that one day he would be one
of the most valuable ornaments of those historical monasteries!

4. At Trikkie.

After a journey of two or three days, they arrived before the mighty meteorite monoliths.
Nicholas gazed at them with awe and amazement as if they were suspended between earth and heaven.
They could not imagine the sanctity of the monks whose only preoccupation was vigilance and
prayer. The time was not appropriate, however, for a visit. So they headed straight towards the
great city of Trikkie, i.e. the modern Trikkala of Thesally.

When they approached the city, they stopped before its gates. There were the giant maple
trees, and the philyres which were planted by the banks of the Lethaeos River, and they cast a
great shadow. They stopped there in order to rest from the long journey. Nicholas recovered from
his weariness, and began to enjoy the beauty of nature. His eyes boyishly gazed at the river
which divides the great city in two, other times at the great maple trees and at the majestic
hill which overlooks the business section.

He did not forget, however, that he came to work. He asked for help from certain Christians,
and after a long search, he found a job at the bakery of a local Moslem.

It is unknown where Nicholas lived, and what type of difficulty he encountered in his first
steps. One fact that is certain is that he didnt know when it was night or day. He became a
servant in a strenuous job, and of a harsh and inhuman employer. But he was not daunted by the
hardship. He was well put together, and vigorous, and he stood the first steps of this harsh
life.

He even found a way to escape more than once and avoid the eye of his employer to a certain
place where he stood in prayer and spoke with his God. He found great comfort in these moments.
He came back to life and breathed the clean and life-giving air of the Faith in Christ, that of
heroes and martyrs.

He sensed a greater joy when he met other Christians or one of his own countrymen who brought
him news from home or from his relatives. His soul jumped for joy when he heard about his
parents. He glorified God because he received happiness at the news that his parents were alive
and sound. When, dear Lord, will you make me worthy he prayed to return and give them rest and
care for them?

Sometimes he entered the church, but with a thousand precautions. When he went for a certain
reason, he found the time to stand before Christ and His Mother in order to ask them for their
support and enlightenment. That was one of the choicest moments of his spiritual life. His
Christian soul which desired the free air of the Faith, found the chance to be joyful under the
loving and caring eye of the Heavenly Father.

5. His Temptations.

The clouds gave way to a storm. A storm that would never subside. A storm so violent that it
might wash away whatever sacred and holy treasure Nicholas possessed in his heart. One that would
drag him down stream and make him disappear. It would wash away the treasure as well as the young
Nicholas, it would capture him and enslave him.

A line of fire was organized against him. And the target was also chosen. The conquest of his
youthful, innocent and good soul. On one side was his employer. On the other side was the little
Turk who worked in the store next door. And a Turkish aristocrat who passed by there every day on
his horse to buy bread.

In the person of Nicholas they all saw an easy victim. His basic kindness, his flexibility,
his eagerness to work, and serve others, his sincerity, his simplicity and the innocence of his
youthful soul, caught their attention, and they joined hands to take him with them in their fold
and with their false god.

I cannot bear to see him as a Christian effendi said the baker. I will change him. Ill do
whatever I can to change him!

Meanwhile, the little Turk worked systematically. He always spoke to Nicholas about Mohamed.
If you believe in him you will become free. You will do whatever you wish. You will never be
threatened by anyone. Everyone will watch out for you, and help you. You will establish a fortune
and will be popular and famous.

The wealthy aristocrat also spoke to Nicholas sometimes from atop his horse, other times
inside the bakery about the great change. You have so much to gain. Everyone will love you. You
will also become an aristocrat just like me. You will eat sweet bread. You will be liberated from
fear and from the danger to your life.

If these temptations were momentary and transient, his boss was the greatest temptation. He
could not escape from his presence. He had to listen to him every day. From sunrise till sunset.
When they awoke in the morning to make dough, and when they stayed together at night to complete
the job.

Oh what a pity Nicholas, a fine boy like you an infidel. What a pity for a boy like you not to
enjoy your freedom. Not to be able to move about as you please.

And the bottom line of this conversation was: You must change. You must become a Mohamedan.
You must change. Not a Christian. It is not to your best interest.

Hard times for Nicholas. A terrible struggle fomented within him. He was shaken from top to
bottom. He was born a Christian and a Greek. He could not understand why he had to cast away all
these things so that his life might change, so that he might prosper. He could not understand why
they were trying to make him shake off all those things he considered as treasures.

In the beginning, he gathered strength, tried to fortify himself so that he would not cast the
precious pearl to the swine.

He reacted according to the circumstances.

Sometimes he worked with all his might, so that he didnt have time to talk. Other times he
chose a place in the workshop where he couldnt hear them talk. Sometimes again he dared ask
questions which were certain to cause verbal abuse on the part of his boss and even beatings.

Time and again he remembered his father who had talked to him about the bitter far away land
and its troubles. He thought: How right my father was! How correct was his advice! Behold,
everything has come to pass!

As time passed away, the more difficult things became. A terrible strain for his young inner
world! He resembled a flower which no later than it blossomed, a strong wind blew and killed it.
A north wind was blowing every day, and they tried persistently to change his Faith and scatter
all his treasure.

6. The defeat.

It wasnt long before the evil happened. Being unaware and subconsciously, a change took place
within him. And a long time elapsed since the attack began. Two years in all. For two years, he
was struck by fiery arrows of temptations which chiseled away at his life and standards. He was
without any help. The only help might have come from his parents, but they were far away. They
were not there to watch after him, to support him, and to renew his spiritual life.

He did not cease to be the pure and polite youth who was always eager to help. That did not
change within.

However, he listened to his boss who talked with him about the great prophet Mohamed. He
listened to him without contradiction as he had before. He made company with the little Turks, he
picked up their habits, and he learned their morals and customs. He was told about their period
of fasting, ramazan, their prayers, and he stood in the form of prayer at the time when the hodja
called from the minaret. It was clear he had accepted the first influence upon his beliefs and
life.

His boss observed this, and felt personal satisfaction. He saw it as a victory, as his own
personal accomplishment. He witnessed his evil scheme become a reality. He had changed the faith
of the Christian Greek who found happiness in the false paradise of the deceiver, Mohamed.

The boss did not waste any time in changing his attitude towards him. He bought him clothes
just like his. Shoes and the fez. And when the right time came, he sent him to the mosque. It was
his first public appearance that stigmatized him with such shame which he never forgot it as long
as he lived.

The stigma and the lechery were exterior. His garments, and the fez. Within his soul, he
retained something yet. He hadnt lost every trace of Hellenism and Christian Faith. Therefore,
great was the struggle that rose up inside of him.

Whenever he saw one of his countrymen, or some Christian, he was ashamed. He recognized and
accepted his fault. And many times was resolved to correct it. But meanwhile, he listened to all
the congratulations of the enemies of Christ, and at the bakery the sweet words of his boss that
prevented him from protesting and correcting himself.

Little by little, he was subjected and enslaved. He became a true little Turk. He surrendered
within, and conformed without. And he was finally recognized as a follower of the prophet. He
lived like all the Turks. He was free to live joyously without restrictions and threats.

The one who was most pleased by this change was his employer, the baker. He told everyone. And
to his customers, he pointed as at a trophy the change of Nicholas. He invited the hojah to his
store in order to introduce the boy. And he praised him. He congratulated him. He told him that
he would prosper now that he had the help of allah. He invited him to go to the mosque in order
to pray and to ask him whatever help he needed.

Nicholas was not aware, at first, of the great harm that he suffered in his life. For a while,
he thought that he had gained something. And appeared to be happy, even though he was not happy
altogether. In the recesses of his heart, he must have retained something. It seems that an
invisible, mighty hand prevented him not to accept altogether that which seemed as the new
treasure of his life.

7. In recognition of his mistake.

Thus, a short period of time elapsed. How long? No one knows. It is certain, however, that not
more than one year passed by.

During that time, Nicholas, who was tested in the struggle of life, tried to justify the gains
he made by the change. Little by little, he managed to isolate the good points as well as the
weaknesses of the new religion. He met many people, saw many things, and experienced a lot. He
listened to their prayers, and he saw firsthand all the opportunities of this religion. He
learned that they celebrate their successes and what the future rewards will be for them that
follow the prophet.

The more he learned, the more confused he was. And as the days passed by, his doubts worsened.
He was never satisfied. His spiritual world was tormented by one great vacuum. They did not
accord the opportunities they promised him. And the void within became greater as the days passed
by.

In the beginning of his struggle, seldom if at all, and later more often his old life came to
mind. That is, his roots. His home. His father and mother. His town. The occupations. And as he
walked outside on the lofty peaks, by the invisible presence of his father, he remembered Prophet
Elias. He recalled the first Our Father. He remembered the tears of joy his father shed when for
the first time, he recited the Lords Prayer. He remembered the hug that he gave him, and those
words of his. God, my boy, the great God may He protect you from all evil. Be cautious, my boy,
for thy soul. He recalled, and how much did Nicholas not remember? Not only on that sole moment,
but at all times. Every day and hour.

And that continuous memory brought back in his life the advice and admonition of his father
and mother.

The beautiful world of the spirit began to awaken within him. A new dawn, the spiritual day,
began to appear in the horizon of his soul. And Nicholas noticed this experience and appeared as
if in a trance.

This change in Nicholas did not go unnoticed for long by his boss, the baker. He perceived
that at times he was lost, and distant. He also noticed a certain anxiety and perplexity in him.
The discussions about the new religion did not impress him anymore, as in the beginning. He
always found an excuse to avoid them. And he was puzzled, not knowing exactly what was happening
to him.

One day, he asked him, Nicholas, what is happening with you? I see that you are worried. What
is wrong? Is there anything that you need? Did I not tell you to let me know, and I will do
whatever I can for you?

Nicholas did not reveal the anxiety of his soul, but he told him of his desire to visit his
parents.

Here, efendi, I miss my parents and my home. It has been so many years now, and I havent
visited them even once. If youd be so kind as to give me permission for a few days to go and
visit them.

The boss became irked. He understood not only the change in the boys life, but also the
dangers of losing his victim and his great success. So he said:

You dont need to make such visits. We have plenty of work here. If you dont work, how are you
going to make a living? You have no reason to go back to Metsovon. Right here you have all the
things you need. And after he raised his voice a little, he said, Go now to the marketplace to
shop, and stop by the store. And I want you to come back right away. You hear?

Nicholas answered nothing. He went out at once and headed to the marketplace. His mind,
however, climbed the trails that led to the mountain peaks. His soul which went through hardship
all those years received the aura of the spirit. As he traveled with his mind to the place that
gave him birth, that made him a Christian, and Greek.

8. The return to his homeland.

Nicholas had realized his great mistake. It is not right to abandon the Light and go into
darkness. It is not just to call the Light darkness, and the darkness Light. A great delusion it
is to be lured from Christianity by the false teachings of one demagogue as Mohamed who put
together his own religion.

By now, Nicholas knew his mistake, and when his conscience was clear, he did not remain for
one moment in that delusion. He did not play with deception. He was outraged with him. His soul
became rebellious. When he was alone at night immersed in thought, he shed many tears with a sigh
of repentance. And thus his conscience gave him rest. And each time, he was resolved to correct
his great mistake.

But he had to rediscover himself again, to regain his spiritual powers, and then try to
correct himself. In the place where he was, he could not accomplish anything. The environment was
not conducive. He had to change residence. To change the spiritual climate. And he could not find
such a climate better than that of his home. Only with the comfort of his parents, and the
Christian environment, he would be able to breathe the air of the spirit and he could shake off
every evil that he had received and which polluted his heart.

Every time he thought of returning to his country and to his home, he could not wait. He felt
a spiritual certainty that this was the best thing for him to do. So he set forth to put into
practice his plan of departure. He would ask permission from his boss. But if he would not give
him such, then he would escape, leaving on his own. Without company.

The boss was adverse again. Not only did he refuse this, but he even threatened him. And then
Nicholas remembered how he treated him in the beginning, when he shouted at him and abused him.
He called him giahour one day, and infidel the next. But he did not lose his courage. He had made
his decision. He would escape. One night he would flee.

He allowed a few days to pass, and when it appeared that all was forgotten, he collected his
few garments in a bundle and with much caution he fled into the night. He used a narrow alley,
and then found himself on the road that would bring him to his sweet country, and in the arms of
his father and mother which he had so missed.

In the beginning, he walked rapidly. And when he felt more secure, he paused for a while in
that cold and dark night. He stopped to give glory not to Mohamed, but to the Creator of Heaven
and Earth. The God of his fathers.

My Lord, what a beautiful doxastikon that was! How sweet were his words! Why, my God, did you
allow me to lose that beauty!

And then as he finished his prayer, he stood in attention and made a confession of Faith. He
didnt care if his act remained unknown in the eyes of men. It meant a lot to him that the eyes of
his father saw him, those of Gods, whom he loved so much and had forgotten.

Oh Lord, I love you. And in order to prove my love, here! And Nicholas took the Turkish fez
that he wore and threw it far away. He took off his other garments that reminded him of his evil
experience and ill fortune and threw them far away. As far away as he could and dawned other
clothes that reminded him of something new, something beautiful, everlasting. That which he had
lost, that which had caused him to run into the darkness of the night toward the great peaks. The
peaks of his country, but also the peaks of the true Faith.

Doxisticon at the Litia.

Let us all who are gathered in the church
honor Nicholas who as glistening gold was tested by the fire,
who appeared genuine, the lover of piety, saying:
Hail oh citizen of heaven, a mighty soul solid as a diamond.
As thou standest next to the Trinity, cease not interceding for our souls.

9. Again in Metsovon.

Before he was aware of it, he arrived across from the hills near his homeland. He did not feel
tired in the least. He was light and strong. A sense of optimism and hope circulated through his
free soul.

He stood there in the heights in order to rest. Then he would follow the narrow path which
would soon take him to his village, to his house. He paused to think. Through his mind all the
years that he was absent passed by at once.

He remembered how he had truly passed that narrow path on his way to Trikkie! What hopes! What
dreams! But even so, his return was necessary. He had no money, nor did he make a name for
himself there. Albeit, he almost lost his treasure.

Thank you, oh Lord, he said, because You helped me find my way back. This road, my return to
serenity. He stood up. He did his cross. And quickly he began to roll down the winding path.

The more he approached, his heart beat quicker. The thought that he would see his father and
his beloved mother made him a volcano of feelings which was ready to erupt. Now and again, a warm
tear ran down his face, especially when he thought that soon he would be forced to admit his
mistake made him bitter because he would have saddened his good parents. His only consolation was
that he had escaped danger, and now he is going to the safety of his family.

As he approached Metsovon on his way up, near the creek that ran by the monastery of the Lords
Mother, it was afternoon. The villagers, his countrymen, were returning from their farms dragging
with them their beasts of burden.

Nicholas didnt wish to meet anyone. He passed by quickly, trying to elude their glances. And
when he made the turn, he noticed the humble church in his neighborhood. He cast a quick glance
to the right and to the left, and after he noticed that no one saw him, he did his cross. And
quickly he slipped through the gate of the front yard of his house. The sun had set on the
mountain, and the beauty and serenity of the sunset had spread a quiet and mystical radiance on
his impoverished home.

From within, his mother saw him. She jumped out and opened the door of the house. She also
opened her arms and welcomed him. She kissed him warmly on his forehead and said to him,

Welcome, my boy. You did well, very well, that you came back. Ive been waiting for you so many
years. I thought of you all the time. Morning and night, my thoughts were always with you.

And he bowed and kissed the hand of his mother. A pleasant and warm kiss. He felt so secure
now, as he held his mothers hand. He did not want to let go. He said almost nothing, because in
his attempt to express his joy at finding her well, tears that rolled down from his eyes
intervened. Something similar happened again when shortly his father came home.

Now his house seemed very joyous. Only Nicholas had something to say. But he couldnt that
night. He did not want to embitter them. They were all elated as they ate together. And then his
father said a prayer. He recited a prayer of thanks because they met after so many years. They
did their cross, and laid down to sleep.

10. Their poverty.

The next day, Nicholas called his parents near, and with sincerity admitted all that had
happened. He concealed nothing. It matters not if I embitter you. You must learn the truth, and
you must rejoice, because like the prodigal son, I have found myself and returned to you, and to
your love. Here I will find rest, and I will become better than before.

His parents listened attentively. They grieved for his misfortune, but they did not
underestimate him. They knew that he had found his way again, and they supported him and
comforted his soul.

My boy, give glory to God that He kept you sound. Glorify Him, because He guarded your
treasure. You must find a spiritual father so that you may confess and receive forgiveness. Dont
be afraid. You will start your life again. And God will bless you.

The very next day, Nicholas met with a spiritual father. The reverend priest listened in
silence. He did not talk of the mistake long. He persisted in his correction, encouraging him to
stand firm with his decision. He also put him on a program of spiritual life in order to help him
surge forward.

Fear not, he said, God received a thief. He receives every soul that asks for His mercy and
blessing. By the side of your parents, you will become a new man, a good Christian. Surely God,
Who permitted such a trial, will give you much good in your life.

Thus, the young man of Metsovon, the good Christian and Greek, rediscovered himself. He became
calm. His soul found rest. He started to assist his parents as before. His fathers company gave
him rest and consolation. They worked together to make a living, together in prayer, they loved
each other as one soul.

With great difficulty, however, they met their necessities. They worked for one piece of
bread. At times, they went without bread at all. If they ever made wheat bread, that was a
luxury. Sometimes they lacked even their very bobota (corn bread). When they had it, they were
glad. And when they went without it, they glorified God because in Him they placed their
hopes.

Little by little, in time, Nicholas looked elsewhere. He started to go into the forest. There,
with other fellows, they cut firewood with resin (torch-wood). They brought it to town and sold
it. Some of them made stacks, and sent them to the bigger and smaller towns.

With this occupation, Nicholas began to make an easier living. He took his father along with
him. They piled up this torch-wood on their front yard. And one day, when returning from the
forest, he dared ask permission to go and sell it in the city where he had his great misfortune
because he knew it very well.

Without much difficulty, his father agreed. He was certain about Nicholas. He knew that he
would not undergo any ethical danger anymore. During the entire year, he had tested him very
well.

They readied the firewood. They loaded it on donkeys. And one morning (along with company), he
headed in the direction of Trikkie. But not to stay there. He went, and he would return at once.
He went to do his fathers wishes. A trip that was necessary for their lives.

11. Again at Trikkie.

The entire company arrived in good time at their destination. In the marketplace of the city,
there were many people. Nicholas unloaded his cargo at one end, along with the others. He had no
desire to walk around the marketplace which he knew so well, nor to visit the stores in which so
many times he shopped.

He adhered to his original plan. Shoppers would pass by along there. They would buy his load,
and when it was exhausted, they would leave immediately. From the outset, it looked as if the
plan would go very well. He sold most of his cargo. A little more, and they would come to the
end. He reckoned, Ill buy a little bobota for my house, and whatever else my mother ordered me,
and at once I shall return.

One more load remained, and he was about to sell it. It was a sixty year old Turk from the
city. When Nicholas saw him, he recognized him. He was the barber in the neighborhood where he
lived before. One time, in fact, he had cut his hair at his shop. He pretended as if he didnt
know him. But the latter looked at him with curiosity. He wanted to say something, but could not
easily remember. It appeared as if his memory was not good.

He stopped whatever he was doing, and in a moment said to Nicholas, Are you not the little
Turk who worked at the bakery in the neighborhood? So you changed now, hey? You became a
Christian? Dont you know that that is the biggest insult and blaspheme for our great Prophet
Mohamed? How did you do such a thing? Do you want me to publicize it? Do you want me to tell
everyone so that you may see what punishment awaits you?

Nicholas did not expect such an assault. The words of that Turk fell upon his head like
thunder. He was shaken. He became fearful. Many bad things went through his mind. But he didnt
speak at all. He stood there and looked him in the eye.

Why do you stare at me? the barber said with a strong voice. Im not mistaken. Its you. I
remember very well. You changed. I see your garments. I see your company.

Nicholas remained calm in the face of the temptation. He reckoned that he must get rid of this
dangerous man any way possible. And then he must disappear. In order to make one more sale, and
at the same time avoid danger, he said to the Turk:

If you wish, he showed him the wood, take it. I dont want any money. He suggested that he take
it for nothing so as to get rid of him.

But the latter would not cease. He tried to extort Nicholas subtly. After he got that load, he
wanted to be sure that he would have more in the future.

That is not enough, he said. I am ready to turn you in. Ill shout one time, and the entire
marketplace will pounce upon you and beat you. In order to escape this, you must make a promise.
And youd better keep it. Otherwise, I will torment you. Slowly and loudly he said, You will
promise me that every year you will bring me one load of firewood. You hear? Understand what I
want?

Yes. I understand, said Nicholas. And without knowing exactly what he said, answered the Turk.
You may rest assured, once a year I will bring you one load of torch-wood.

Fine, said the Turk. We agree. I will not say anything to anyone.

He picked up the wood and disappeared in the street. When the Turk was gone, Nicholas, without
any delay, headed for the way back home. His mind was dim. He could not recollect his thoughts.
He only walked quickly, wanting to get away from danger which once more he encountered in that
city.

12. The thought of martyrdom.

In a short while, he found himself outside the city. He began to discover himself again. The
sense of security that he felt made him calm once more. And the calmness that he felt within
helped him to think everything all over again. Then he thought about the promise that he had
made. Accordingly, he would have to bring one load of firewood to the infidel every year. That
means he would have to toil in the forest, to play with life and death, in order to prepare a
load for an infidel with whom he had no ties and no obligation. And why all this? Because he
would betray him, that he changed his faith, and from a Turk became a Christian.

Nicholas was shaken up again. When in a position such as this, there is no greater accusation
for me than that. I never became a Turk. And if one time I put on the fez and the clothes, and
passed under the gates of a mosque, but never did I do that from my heart. My heart always
remained Christian. My blood was always Christian. The candle of the Faith in the true God always
burned inside of me.

This is so tragic. I cannot endure it. I must bring the firewood as a tribute so that I can
believe freely in what I am.

Nicholas stood for a while in the middle of the road. He walked all that distance hurriedly,
and now he was not afraid in the least to keep company with the clean air and the birds that flew
in the mountains. He could think. He could think a lot. He could even allow his voice to say
whatever he wished so that God would listen to him, He Who listens to His own and answers to
their needs.

He could not stand upright. He stood by the side at the turn of the road and knelt down. And
even though his body was bent downward, his mind and heart made a trip to the throne of God.

He took a deep breath and with one voice that seemed like that of many people, a voice from
the depths of his heart, he said to God:

Thou, Lord, knoweth my heart! You know all the hearts of men and their reasonings. You know,
therefore, if my heart ever denied you. Why should I bear such a shameful stain? Why should I be
a prisoner of my careless, childish actions? I cannot bear this. Dear Lord, I wish to be
liberated. I wish to prove that I have nothing to do with this matter. Im your man, and shall
remain your man.

How long he stayed on his knees in that spot he was not aware. But when he stood up, he began
to walk with new strength. He felt like a new man, and he noticed something new growing inside of
him. One sweet and beautiful, heavenly feeling. If you asked him to describe it, he couldnt. He
did not have the power to portray it. He would say one thing. I forgot everything. All has been
extinguished within me. Something else was awakened which I prefer very much to live with.

He continued to walk, and he was eager to get to his village because the sun was about to set
and soon it would be dark. But Nicholas was not afraid. He knew all the roads and the trails. He
sensed a great triumph. As soon as his new feeling became noticeable and stable.

In a little while he would be in the village. He passed by the Church of Saint Demetrios. He
hid behind a wall. With precaution, he made his cross. And when he tried to say, Saint Demetrios,
guard me and clear my mind. he discovered something which was pleasant and kept him company
throughout the trip. He reasoned that Demetrios became great because he was martyred for Christ.
Demetrios was a martyr for Christ. Thats it! said Nicholas inadvertently. A martyr for Christ.
How beautiful! How grand! No one can scare you there, or threaten you. He opened the door to his
house, and he entered as if in a safe haven.

13. The great decision.

The decision towards martyrdom did not take long to mature. It became a granite. Nicholas
lived with it. Henceforth, this was the strong desire of his heart. Persistently in his prayer,
he supplicated the first Martyr, Christ, to give him this invaluable gift and honor. For him, it
was the best solution to the big problem he was entangled in. He did it with all his heart. He
saw in it an unspeakable beauty and grandeur.

How could he proceed forward, however, without the opinion of his parents? How could he ignore
them? And how could he leave them alone in the world, especially now when their age was advanced
and they needed him more than ever?

After he had well reasoned on his own that the gigantic decision could not be changed for
anything, he decided to tell his parents. One evening, when his parents walked alone in the dusk
under the trembling lights of the lamps, he found time and told them.

I never ceased to be a Christian. But I had that misfortune that made me experience this
temptation for many years. It is never possible to tolerate others calling me an infidel. A
certain voice inside of me tells me that I must wash away that evil with a courageous confession
of my Faith publicly. I must go there where it all happened, and I must say that I believe in the
truth, in the Light, in Christ. And if they seize me as the maniacs that they are, and wish to
take my life, I will give it. There is no difficulty for me. I wish to give it. I made that
decision. And I believe that with the help of God, I will succeed. I beg of you that you will not
disagree with me.

There was a dead silence. Not even their breathing was heard. Only the small lamp sent forth
its trembling light upon their tired faces and now and then a small echo reached their ears from
the lanterns wick.

The father looked the son in the eye. His wife also looked. She bent her face downward and
leaned against the palms of her hands as she thought. And then he seriously opened his mouth and
said, A great thing, my son, that one be martyred for Christ. A great honor for our house. It is
not in me to tell you no. My heart cannot bear it. To tell you Go ahead. I cant do that, either.
To become a martyr, it is a gift and a bestowal of heaven. One thing alone I advise you. Find a
spiritual father. Tell him your thoughts, and he will take the responsibility. He will tell you
what you should do.

Again they were silent. His mother was immersed in deep thought. And Nicholas dared to ask
her, And you, mother, what do you think? No answer. When he asked her again, again there was no
answer.

They were silent. When it seemed that that blessed silence must cease, the voice of his mother
was heard saying, My boy, you have my blessing. Do as your father says.

The lamp was about to go out, and its light became brighter, as if it was trying to tell them
that it was midnight, and it was time for them to rest. They rose and prepared to turn in.
Nicholas went to a corner and fell to his knees.

I thank you my Lord. It is easier now to come near you. The road is open. Bring expediency
now, because Im impatient. I must wash away this shame.

14. The spiritual father.

If Nicholas passed by the obstacle of his parents, he would not find such understanding from
his spiritual father, for a spiritual father bears responsibility for the directions of every
soul. Therefore, before he says something, he thinks about it. He looks at all sides, and sees
far ahead. Thus it happened in the case of Nicholas. His spiritual father listened to him. He
listened to him carefully. He asked many details. He tried to search into the bottom of his
heart, to weigh his decision, to determine his motives. Frightening was the possibility that he
might change. Even though a great time had lapsed, since then, the danger that he might weaken at
the last moment might become a reality.

When he formed an opinion about Nicholas, it was not the first time that he heard his
confession. Then, with a voice that showed how aware he was of his responsibility, he said:

My boy, I admire you for your decision. There is no greater honor for man than to give his
blood for the Faith of Christ. Eons will honor him, and the faithful throughout Christendom will
appreciate him. I admire you, and Im glad because of your decision. It is difficult for me to say
yes, though. Im afraid. Im afraid that at the last moment you might weaken. Im afraid that you
might give in, that you might cower. It is possible that you might not remain steadfast to the
end on the glorious road to martyrdom.

Nicholas was shaken up. He did not allow the spiritual father to proceed. Interrupting, he
said, No, father. My decision is sound. Ive thought it over many times. I will not bend.

Agreed, said the spiritual father as he raised his hand lightly trying to tell him that he
should be listening and not talking. Agreed. But you do not know that the spirit is willing but
the flesh is weak. That is not my saying. It is the very word of God. And it is always true. And
that word means: it is easy for one to make a decision. But it is hard to carry it out. One
recognizes with ease what is good and wishes to make it a reality of life. But is not easily
done. It is a hard thing. We are all glued, unfortunately, to this earthly world. Do you hear
me?

Yes father, I hear. I listened to all those things you say. But I have made a decision. Im not
afraid.

Suppose that for a moment you might weaken. Can you imagine the shame? Do you realize that you
will put the true God to shame for a second time?

Yes father, I realize it, said Nicholas, and Im certain that I will bring it to pass. I dont
depend on my own strength. But in the power of God. He is mighty, and He will help me to win. To
overcome my human weaknesses and give my blood to my Christ Who was sacrificed for me on the
cross.

When someone relies on the power of God, he is certain, said his spiritual father.

Before he finished his word, Nicholas thought that his objection was weakening, and fell to
his knees and began to thank him and beg him for his blessing.

Bless me, oh father, he said. I shall not deny Him. I want to die for Christ.

The biographer of the saint adds: When the spiritual father saw the desire he had for
martyrdom, he strengthened him with many exhortations and blessings, and let him go.

What a holy confession. You have made a new martyr who would shed his blood upon the Epeirotic
and Thessaliotic earth. You have fashioned a new martyr in order to adorn the Church of our
Christ.

15. The way to martyrdom.

Not many days elapsed, and everything was ready for his new trip to Trikkala. It was not the
preparation of the bundles that concerned Nicholas. His thoughts and cares were focused
elsewhere. He pondered upon the burden of sin. The abasement and shame of his denial. More than
anything, he wished to shake off that burden. He recited the words, Lift, oh Lord, the heavy
burden of sin from me. And accept my repentance as the harlot and the woman with hemorrhage.

He thought these things continuously. He always found opportunities to withdraw and
communicate with God to seek His help and His encouragement. Be Ye my helper, and abandon me not,
he repeated. And he said it loudly so that his heart and hearing would be content with the
thought that God was on his side. He Who is in everything is near him, and within him, and wishes
to be ready to help him.

Later, he knelt again. He knelt quietly with a warm faith in the presence of God. Before the
almighty God and Father. There is no greater moment in the life of man from those moments that he
lived in the presence of God and speaks with Him. Nicholas lived those moments vividly. When he
was at the zenith of contentment, he let out a deep sigh from out of his soul. What value did
these moments of bliss have compared to the experience of living together with God and witnessing
the grandeur of His face!

Immersed in these thoughts, he believed whole-heartedly in the presence of God. In such times,
you do not live in the world. Mountains, forests, animals, voices and noise were blotted out by
the mystical union of his soul with God. A mysterious service went on within him. It was a
spiritual preparation for the great event that his soul desired.

Then again he came to his senses. And remembered the hardships that he would encounter. And
the strict advice of his spiritual father and the danger that he would go through. With humility
he recognized that the road that he must follow was long, uphill and arduous.

At times he recited the Psalms of David. And completed his conversation with God. You have
become my aid and protector towards my salvation. You are my God, and I shall glorify Him.

Thus Nicholas ended his prayer. As he contemplated the glory of God, he shuddered. Because for
him, the glory of God was not something without meaning or as we think of it today. It was
something incomparable. It was the martyrdom which he had prepared himself for. He wanted to
become the recipient of the glory of God. To offer a spiritual sacrifice so that through him God
would receive glory.

For this reason, again he felt the need for prayer. Thus prepared, he set out at one May day
at the break of dawn. Before nature was awakened and the flocks of sheep were not dispersed on
the mountainside, and the music of the nightingales did not reach the streams yet. Nicholas set
out for his great journey, resolved not to return again. With him he had two loaves. His donkeys
with the firewood, and sins. The first he would give to the people. The other he would lay down
at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. And if he was called, he would give a good witness. In
this manner, he wanted to set a good example for the people. What is the meaning of faults! Their
meaning is to find the road to correction and to return. You must find the road to heaven and
follow it at any cost. That is what Nicholas believed in. Thus armed, he followed the road to
meet the enemy and wrestle with him.

16. In the hands of the infidels.

For the first time, Nicholas did not notice how difficult the road was. When from a distance
he noticed Trikkie, it seemed to him that he had just started. Rested and strong, he was all
eager and enlightened.

When he entered the city, he was moved as he remembered those moments when he lived in it. How
he came there as a Christian. How he departed. How he returned, and everything, but everything
with details.

Now, though, he felt different. He himself could not describe that which he felt. It is
something refreshing, powerful, and protecting. As an invisible personage that stood by his side.
And when he attempts to interpret what it is, he stops. No, it is not anything else&.It is my
God&.Thus, his soul found comfort and rest.

He took the road that led to the market place. It was already filled with shoppers and
merchants. On the same spot where others brought their loads of wood and firewood he unloaded. He
sought the aid of God within him so that he would finish quickly. Then he greeted all those who
stood nearby. He thought it was strange because he didnt know anyone of them. It turned out that
they were all Turks. He noticed them from their attire and their speech. It was an easy day for
him that day. He only needed to sell a little more torchwood. If he gave that, too, he would be
able to finish his work. That is to shop and take the road back. For a moment, a certain shopper
approached him. He was ready to buy his torchwood. Nicholas stooped down in order to tie the
bundle, and then he would offer it to him. But that moment, he noticed a cold hand seizing him by
the neck with a tight grip. It was that barber who had forced Nicholas to bring him firewood for
free so that he wouldnt make it known that he changed his faith. As he held him, at the same time
he growled, Why didnt you bring me the wood? he said. Infidel, I will strangle you.

Nicholas did not need to see him. He understood immediately. With his own eyes he saw that man
as a personification of satan. He was provocative, egotistic, self-serving, and immoral. He took
advantage of an incident that involved an immature young man, and he manipulated it without shame
and discretion. And he insisted. He insisted to take the wood. He made the faith a bargain. He
turned the faith into his own personal, material gain.

Nicholas was stunned. He stood upright and looked at the Turk in the eye. In disdain, he said,
I have no business with you. I havent harmed you at all, so I dont feel guilty. Please do not
bother me.

Before he finished, the cowardly Turk pounced upon him. You do not speak to me in that way, he
growled. I will turn you in. I will report you. Ya hear? And with his hands he seized him by the
neck again.

But Nicholas did not lose his calm. With readiness and simple words, replied, I dont owe you
anything. Understand? I have no obligation. And that which I did in the past was a mistake.
Because I never changed my Faith. My heart was always Christian, and only my clothes were
soiled.

The Turk noticed that something had changed in Nicholas. He noticed that now he was steadfast,
strong and courageous. It made an impression on him. He was impressed that he confessed his Faith
before everybody. He was not the weak Metsovite that he thought he could take advantage of
forever. He knew that he had lost the wood, his booty. He became enraged and persistent instead
of being glad. Ignited with rage, he did not hesitate to plan his slanderous scheme. He lunges
toward Nicholas and at the same time growled loudly, Grab him! He changed his faith and insulted
the great Prophet Mohamed!

Suddenly there was commotion and noise in the marketplace. Fanatic turks which knew nothing
about the matter became demonized. They seized the well-built Metsovite Nicholas and held him in
their hands as if they had caught the biggest enemy of their religion. Pushing him and shoving
him, they led him to their kadi.

As an innocent lamb, Nicholas was silent on his way to the judge. He reckoned that the blessed
moment had come. The thought of his father and mother passed through him as lightening. He made a
silent prayer to God, Lord, give me your aid. And whispered, Lord, the blessed moment has
arrived. Give me strength to confess Thine holy name.

17. Before the lawless judge.

When they arrived at the house of the kadi, which was also the court, they found a crowd of
outrageous turks. Many of them heard the shouts of the barber. But others did not know what was
happening. They just saw an infidel being pushed and abused who was led to the judge. That was
enough for them to spew their poison which nested in their hearts. So they also yelled. So when
they arrived at the kadis, they were all mad, growling and seeking revenge.

The crowd stood below the house. Above passed the barber dragging Nicholas. Not because he
resisted. On the contrary. Nicholas walked to the judge with joy because he knew that that
judgment was the best proof for the next Judgment, the divine one which will take place at the
end of time and of which the Judge will be the all-knowing God.

The barber was provocative, angry and loud. He had taken the matter personally. As is obvious,
he lost his bonus, and his profit.

The accusation was ready. What an accusation! Slander! He was a Turk who believed in the great
prophet, but now changed and became a Christian. That charge was very powerful for the court. He
did not need any other arguments. The only solution was that the accused must renounce Christ and
His teachings, and confess faith in Mohamed.

The kadi at the time was unprepared. It was still morning, and he was surrounded by
pandemonium. He gathered his senses and he tried to learn what happened. He looked at Nicholas
and at the Turkish barber. He analyzed them both. In the face of Nicholas he saw calm, serenity,
and assurance. He saw a Nicholas that was well put together, in the flower of his youth, and he
saw the characteristics of an honest man. He countenance was covered with beauty and grace.

Then he cast his eyes at the Turk. His face was angry and wroth. There was a nervousness and
impatience. All this was a reflection of the hatred and hostility that controlled his psyche
within. He couldnt stand still. He made neurotic motions. And he uttered words of abuse. He
allowed His inner lower self to become evident.

The judge knew what was going on. It was not the first time that he had such a case. He made a
sign to the Turk to quiet down. Then he asked Nicholas:

So you denied our prophet? And then he added before Nicholas opened his mouth:

I want you to answer straight and sincerely. Ya hear?

Nicholas raised his head and looked at him in the eye. There was a spark in his eye. His heart
jumped, and his mind flew to the heavens. He embraced God in the Spirit, and asked Him to put
words in his mouth. How long have I waited, oh Lord, for this hour? Help me, I beg You, to
confess Your name, he prayed.

And then he answered, telling the judge:

I was never a Turk. I never believed in Mohamed. I was born a Christian. My heart was always
Christian. I wish to live as a Christian. Christ is my only concern.

The barber exploded. He did not allow him to finish. He made one or two steps toward Nicholas.
He stretched his hand, and without the judges permission, growled, He was a Turk! He used to go
to the mosque. I remember.

Nicholas remained calm.

Yes, he answered, It was a time when I was influenced. It was a time when my boss confused me.
He changed my mind. What a disgrace for me, my God. Forgive me for that! But I was never a Turk.
My heart was always Greek and Christian. Yes, Im a Christian. I believe in Christ with all the
power of my soul.

Quiet fell in the crowd. Nicholas looked impressive in his confession. He was convincing and
sound, causing everyone to gaze with perplexity. They were all amazed at Nicholas inner soul. But
they could not admit their defeat. Their spite and hatred did not allow them to do so.

The judge thought for a while and asked Nicholas, So this man here is lying?

Surely hes not telling the truth, added Nicholas soundly. The truth is what I have told
you.

The judge had no doubt that Nicholas was true. But how could he satisfy the Turks? What should
he say before the angry mob that waited below? How could he tolerate the courage and confession
of the honest Metsovite? How could he accept the insult to the great prophet?

All these things made him reach a decision.

Throw him in jail. There he will find himself and will appear again, and well see if he has
the courage to say that he is a Christian.

Two well-built servants pounced on him and pushed him toward the exit. When the crowd saw him,
they began jeering and taunting at him.

Lock the dog in jail. The infidel! they shouted. Some of them followed behind him. They
accompanied him to the jail. And they didnt quiet down until they saw the heavy door close in the
jails bosom the young Greek.

18. Nicholas in jail.

It did not take a long time for Nicholas to recollect his thoughts and realize what type of
situation he was in. The dark environment of the jail, the loneliness, the abandonment, and
disdain made him understand all those things that his spiritual father had described to him in
such detail. He remembered one by one, and he tried to put them into practice accordingly.

When they lock you up in jail, he told him, you will remember that God created you a free man
so that you will always live near Him and in His kingdom.

When the darkness in jail prevails upon you, then you will remember the light of the kingdom
of God. The light which is eternal, which will never be extinguished, for there is no end to the
kingdom of God.

When they abuse you verbally, remember and pray for your abusers.

When they beat you, you must remember that they also beat Christ. They crucified Him. And He
was sinless and suffered for our own sins, whereas you will suffer for your own sins.

When they leave you hungry, and without nourishment, do not be disturbed. Your mind then will
live much easier with God.

Nicholas remembered all these things, and many more, when he sat on the floor of the gloomy
and dark jail. All these things brought to mind the promise that he gave before God to his
spiritual father.

I will not bend. I will not weaken. I will stay faithful to Christ. I shall confess His holy
name. I will die for my Saviour.

And then he began to pray. How long his prayer lasted, he did not know. That which he noticed
was an inner, pleasant, reassurance that gave comfort to his body, and also to his soul. He was
very serene. He had a certainty that everything would go well. He saw himself on a secure path
which led to his own goal. Therefore, time and again, he said, Help me oh Lord until the very
end.

He closed his eyes and was overcome by a gentle and light sleep which gave him rest. I shall
slumber and recline. The Lord hath laid hold of me.

I can picture the soldier of Christ lying down in jail, in the hands of God, overcome by
sleep. And I recall that image that the Prophet described about Jesus, He had reclined and slept
like a lion. Who dares awaken you, O King? Thus did the courageous offspring of Metsovon. Strong
and dauntless as a mountain of his country, he fought the first battle, and now he lies to rest.
He rests so that he will reawaken and continue the struggle so that he will win new laurels and
victories.

At about midnight, Nicholas was roused. He was alarmed because he needed more time to face
harsh reality. Ah yes, he said, Im in jail at Trikkala. I thank you, my God, because Im here for
you. He stayed there and pondered, sometimes one thing, sometimes another, until a sound sleep
closed his eyes again.

19. Again before the judge.

For two days, Nicholas remained locked in the stony jail. No one thought of him. Alone,
abandoned by people. Even his parents and spiritual father did not know that he made the first
step toward his great goal.

But abandonment did not tire him. He was comforted by the true to life presence of God. He
remembered and believed the promises of God. I shall not forget you nor abandon you. I am the aid
of orphans. His faith made the presence of God very vivid during those dark moments of his life.
That is why after his first experience in jail he was able to find spiritual tranquility and to
feel fortunate in the midst of the abandonment and hatred of the enemies of his Faith which was
more tormenting than the darkness of jail.

On the second day, he underwent a new trial. Hunger. It, too, was added to the list of
problems that he had to encounter. In the beginning, it afflicted him severely. But he made one
thought, Nourishment enables the body to live. And the body is the temple of the spirit. It is an
instrument of the spirit. When the latter returns to God, it doesnt need the body. The body will
return to the earth from whence it came. Why should I think about my body when soon I shall
surrender my soul to my God, my Father? Courage, therefore, a little longer. The desire for God
must erase, put to rest, and obliterate the needs of the body. A little while later, I will not
be thirsty, nor hungry, for I will be fulfilled with the heavenly Bread, the Nourishment of all
the world, my Lord and my Saviour.

One more thing worried him. The fear that the judge might postpone the trial, or that he might
not lead him to martyrdom. That he might leave him to languish in that gloomy jail. Therefore, he
was in a hurry. He could not wait. He was afire because he wanted to be in the company of Christ.
However, he overcame this problem. He said, Im ready, and I will remain ready. Whenever God
wishes, He shall take me with Him. Then he rested.

When the third day dawned, he was awakened by a loud noise. It wasnt only the footsteps of a
multitude that was approaching, nor loud voices of angry people, but a threat that was aimed
directly at him. He stood up. He tried to distinguish peoples faces through the opening in the
door, but it was too late. The characteristic clamor of the bolt was heard at once. The heavy
door opened. The servants, dazed by the light, tried to find the prisoner in the dark. At once he
was with him.

Were going to the kadi, said one of the servants, and he stretched his hand to grab him and
take him out.

Nicholas followed quietly.

Lets see if you say the same things now, added one voice.

It was the barber, the accuser who stood on the wayside. A large group was formed, and shortly
they arrived before the kadi. Two worlds met in that court. The world of the Spirit, and the
world of power. The world of Christ, and the world of Mohamed.

The first was visible in the countenance of Nicholas. He was calm, sweet, and sympathetic. A
great hope improved his appearance.

The other world was neurotic, harsh, spazoid, and dastardly, looked as if it supported a
premise which was a lie. Which was condemned to be wiped out in a short while.

20. The second inquiry.

The Turkish judge hoped that the convict Nicholas gave in by now. The jail, the abandonment,
and hunger must have terrorized him. So he assumed that todays job would be easy for him. He
would have convinced him with ease. And this would be his victory, his personal triumph which
would place him high in the opinion of his own people.

Indeed, he was not far from wrong. By his outer appearance, Nicholas appeared just so. He
looked tired, exhausted. His clothes were soiled after he laid on the slab of the jail. He
appeared as a broken man. If he truly had lost his courage, and his spiritual orientation, then
he would bend him with ease.

But he underestimated him. He did not have the power to search the depths of his heart. If he
could, he would have discovered the heart of a lion which was decided to proceed unto death. He
appeared as a lion which sits in a corner quietly, but once provoked, he realized that it is not
dead, sick, or indifferent. Then you notice its strength. My strength is manifested in weakness,
said the great Apostle, as he, too, stood many times before judges and courts. When he tried to
express sympathy for the condition Nicholas was in, then he knew that that condition was for
Nicholas an honor and a blessing.

I understand your suffering, began the judge. I see your condition. Truly, the jail must have
brought you to your senses. Admit your mistake, and immediately your life will change. I will set
you free. You will enjoy your life. I will honor you, and you will become once more a man with
all your pride.

Nicholas surmised the great trap. He was terrified by the words of the turk. He gathered his
strength. His thoughts went to God. He sought His inspiration. He closed his ears to the words of
the Turkish judge, and when he finished, he said loudly and without restraint, in a
characteristic Metsovitic accent:

I dont desire anything of those things that you promised me, or what the whole world enjoys. I
have a treasure. It is my Christ. I will not exchange that treasure for anything.

The judge was irked. He pounded his fist, raised his voice and said:

I dont have time to play with you. Either you will change, or I will light a fire and burn you
alive.

My decision is final. You will never convince me to commit such a great sin. I believe in
Christ. He will assist me. He is more powerful than you. His might is mightier than all the
world.

These moments were mind-bending, one would say. In them, you discern the power of the spirit
and the weakness of matter. And the weakness of matter on the part of the regime. In these, one
sees that the spirit governs the world, the heart, society, and the eons. It puts a stamp on the
identity of mankind. And the power and authority of a giant who stands on wooden feet. Thus here
too, the unarmed and illiterate Nicholas, fired-up by the zest of the spirit, made the power of
the judge powerless, and almost non-existent.

That is why the judge lost his calm. He knew not what more to say, what more to do, what
arguments he should use.

He burst out in threats, shouting, threatening, pounding his fists on the table. He looked
right and left. His heart was aflame. His hatred and hostility ignited against the crucified
Triumphant of the world, and his mouth began to spit out abuses.

And who is that Christ? Soon, they will grab you, and will throw you in the fire. Will Christ
take you out? Are you that stupid? Dont forget, Christ stood on the cross as a criminal! He was
ready to say more things of this type, but Nicholas interrupted him.

Christ is the true God. He was sacrificed for us. He will save me. I believe in Him with all
my soul.

As he said these words, his face became radiant from heavenly grace. He appeared in the eyes
of all those who watched him to assume a certain beauty that was unknown. A phenomenon which they
saw for the first time in their life.

The judge jumped to his feet. He stretched his back and his hands as if he wanted to seized
him. In this coercive manner, he tried to win him over and to subdue him.

I will burn you. You hear?

I hear. But your words do not convince me. Your voice is falsehood. The Truth is one. It is
luminate and enlightens all the world. Christ is the light of the world. He is the light of my
life. I will never exchange the light of Christ for your own darkness.

Oh Nicholas, how you have taught me with your confession, with your boldness. What victory is
this, oh Nicholas? What refreshment for our souls which have withered from the curse of
indifference in the only free Orthodox Christian land! The biographer adds with an epigram: The
judge, seeing that he could not change his mind, ordered that a great fire be lit around the
center of the marketplace, and that they cast him in it.

The judge left the courtroom. Those who observed cheered through religious fanaticism.

The servants scurried about to light the fire. And others seized the victim so as to lead him
to the place of execution. Thus ended the scene in the courtroom, in order to open soon in the
central marketplace of the great city.

21. The martyrdom.

When the great fire was lit in the center of the marketplace, the news circulated everywhere.
Fanatic Turks from throughout the city were assembled. They all talked loudly, shook their hands,
and now and again, one would hear verbal abuse.

Their hearts were dismal from hatred and religious fanaticism. They looked for an excuse to
retaliate with madness and fury against the Christians who without protection were led to
martyrdom.

When the servants brought Nicholas, they tried fear tactics to test him. Into the fire!
Quickly! Dont hesitate! His Christ will save him! Thus they growled for a while. If the servants
had not laid hands on him, they were ready to pounce on him and to ridicule him, and mock him as
a cat does to a mouse, and then to take his most valuable gift which belonged to the authority of
the life-giving God life itself.

Nicholas saw nothing. He heard nothing. He had shut down the receptacles of his senses. The
earthly signals, the human threats and fears had no affect on him. Now he sees nothing else but
the lit fire. Just as the fire purifies gold and makes it one hundred percent solid, thus he saw
in that fire the means by which the love of God will use to absolve him from the last vestige of
sin and, as a holy angel, would bring him to the bosom of God. That is why Nicholas jumped for
joy at that moment. Controlling himself and from the bottom of his existence he allowed his soul
to ignite from the fire of divine love and he turned to fervent prayer. My Lord, said he. Im on
my way. I come toward Thee! Only a few footsteps, a few moments separate me. My God, I beg Thee,
accept me!

He was no longer on earth. With his will power, or with his heart. He already lived near God.
His face changed. It shone with a brightness that appeared supernatural as the fire was reflected
upon his face.

With sturdy steps he came to within two meters of the fire. There they untied his hands. And
the executioner, a wild Turk, said to him with a voice that resembled that of a beast:

Do you see the fire? It will consume you. Change so that you will be saved. Nicholas was
already in heaven.

For me, said he, that fire is the greatest benefit. Soon I will be with my Lord Jesus!

The executioner growled: For sure you want to be ruined. Your mind doesnt change. Go ahead
then! And with force pushed Nicholas and threw him into the middle of the great fire.

The turks cheered wildly.

The few Christians who watched at a distance closed their eyes and ears with caution.

One saint was added to the myriads of saints.

On new martyr with all his youthful years.

One city adopted a new guardian.

Nicholas will no longer be an unknown Metsovite. But the Holy New-martyr Nicholas of Metsovon,
who was martyred in Trikkala of Thessaly by fire on the morn of the 16th of May, in
1617 AD.

22. After the Martyrdom.

The barbaric Turkish mob, after they took revenge upon the Christians in the face of Nicholas,
in the most inhuman way they started to disperse satisfied over their victory. In reality they
were put to shame before the glory of the kingdom of God, which made one man to defy death
itself.

The few Christians hid themselves. After such an incident, a relentless uprising against the
Christian element was very possible. The tempers which had risen as a result of passions must be
quieted. Before the sun went down, silence fell over the central square. The fire was
extinguished. The body of the saint covered with ashes. Two or three servants stayed there to
guard the holy relics. And they conversed quietly as if they were trying not to disturb the
eternal blessedness of the New-martyr Nicholas.

Then darkness came. It looked as if the night would bring quiet to the city. As if nothing had
happened. The servants themselves found a sheltered corner in order to protect themselves from
the chill of the May night. That moment, a shadow appeared in the northern alley. It approached
carefully toward the fire. It signaled the servants. He was showing them something. And then
approached closer. They did not try to prevent him. Not even their curiosity disturbed them. The
man came up close and put money in their hands. They understood. Without uttering a word, they
showed him the fire.

It was a Christian. A potter by profession. He was so moved by the martyrdom of the Saint that
he wished to take something with him as a protection. He gave a substantial amount of money to
the servants, and now he alone searches in the fire to find one remnant of his treasure. His eyes
fell on the skull of the new martyr. He stooped down, picked it up, and disappeared in the night.
He sensed a great accomplishment, that he was worthy to bring it to himself as his own treasure,
the sacred skull of the Saint. His gratification was greater because he had observed from close
up the courageous confession of Faith before the Turkish judge, the fire, and his martyrdom. And
he thanked God because he made him worthy of such an honor.

He went to his house, did not disturb anyone, and before it was daybreak, he decided to
safeguard his treasure. He thought for a bit and then proceeded to carry out his plan.

He dug a hole in the wall of his front lawn an unlikely place and there enclosed the skull of
the Saint. Thus, it would remain with him as a blessing and grace, at the same time it would be
safe from destruction or loss.

The other bones of the Saint which did not perish in the fire were scattered, except for a few
remnants, concerning which we will speak later. His skull remained at Trikkala to bless the city
in which he received the grace of martyrdom so they would be a source of sanctity to the people
of God who had to live there among the ranks of barbaric hagarines.

23. At the monastery of Barlaam.

A long time did not elapse, and the pious potter left this world and went to the heavenly
realm. But his treasure, the sacred skull of the new-martyr remained concealed in the same place
where he had secured it. No one knew the spot. He hadnt told any of his relatives. They lived for
many years near the treasure, and it kept them from harm, but they didnt even know it until the
day when things changed.

The entire house, along with the courtyard, was sold to someone else. By Divine will, the
buyer was a Christian, and a devout one at that. His name was Melandros. This, too, was Gods
plan, so that the precious inheritance which was bequeathed by the Martyr would remain safe.
Melandros knew nothing about what had occurred. He never knew that he would become an instrument
of God.

It was the eve of May 16th, the day of our Saints martyrdom. It seems that Trikkie
had forgotten the great event which will never be repeated. The bitter servitude caused the
Christian Greeks to sigh under the tyranny of an uncouth and uncivilized overlord. Melandros
decided that afternoon to work on his lawn. He watered the flowers, cleared them of all the weeds
that grew up in their midst. Thus he passed the afternoon. The sun had set and he was tired.
Ready to stop whatever he was doing in order to rest from the days work, he picked up his tools.
He passed a glance at the gate, noticing that it was closed, and retired to his little kitchen.

At that time, it seemed to him that he saw a light in the midst of the courtyard wall. He was
dumbfounded. He thought he made a mistake. But behold, it was no mistake. He saw it very clearly.
It was a light that shone from the wall in his yard.

My God! he said, What is that light! I saw it! It was not an apparition. It remained there
quite a while. He closed the door to his house, recited his prayers, and without mentioning it to
anyone, reclined to sleep.

In the morning, when he opened his eyes and said good morning to his Creator, he recalled the
light. He could not get out of his mind that sweet light which emitted from his courtyard wall.
He was living in a dream, but couldnt tell anyone.

Thus passed the 16th of May, the day of the martyrdom of Nicholas of Metsovon.

At night, he performed all his Christian duties. He prayed, thanked God for all his gifts and
beneficence. He surrendered to Gods providence and lay down to sleep.

As he slumbered, once again he saw the light as it appeared to emanate from his
mandra2. How magnificent it was! As he watched it, it gave him a great and heavenly
delight.

Suddenly, that heavenly scene was interrupted by a young person who wore a Metsovitic
costume.

Melander, he said, approach the light. The fruit of my martyrdom is hidden within. It is a
testimony that I loved the God of our fathers and for His love I offered my life in the flower of
my youth. Melander, said the sweet voice again in the midst of his sleep, it is my skull which is
hidden therein. It is in your hands from this time on.

Melander jumped up. He opened his eyes. It was midnight. He did not utter a word to anyone. He
was elated by the revelation. But he was sad, for the magnificent appearance of the New-martyr
was so short. He began to pray.

When daylight broke, there he was in the yard. He took his tools, and with much caution, began
to search on the spot where the light appeared. What amazement he experienced when he saw the
sacred skull of the New martyr buried in the wall! Tears came to his eyes. He did not consider
himself worthy of such a treasure. With great reverence, he took it in his hands, he kissed it
with contrition, and even though chills ran up and down his back from his astonishment, he placed
it securely in his house.

He couldnt rest quietly, however. He knew that the skull of the Saint was not safe there. He
must do something else. The sacred relic must rest in a holy place. It must be put in hands that
would honor and cherish it for the sake of pious and devout Christians.

He came in contact with the Monastery of Barlaam at Meteora. There, one of his family members
was a monk. And the monks placed the holy cara3 of Saint Nicholas near the other most
valuable relics and treasures.

When God deems you worthy, my dear reader, to visit the Monastery of Barlaam at Meteora, ask
that you may venerate the sacred cara of Saint Nicholas. Your soul will be astonished by the
fragrance that for centuries it now emits to those who show reverence.

You have worshipped one of the most important and most sacred ornaments of the Monastery, and
also of our Faith. A treasure that remains as a testimony that the Lord our God lives unto all
ages.

The end, and glory be to God!

Endnotes:

1. Metsovon owes its development to the goodwill of a Turkish governor. In the old days the
Sultans made treaties in order to keep the rebellious mountainous regions under control. The
Divan was supposed to keep the Turks out of the villages and the village people were to pay
tribute as a show of obedience. Thus on Pindos autonomous regions were created. That of Syrakos
with 42 Wallachian villages, that of Zagoriou with 40 villages and that of Agrapha with 100
villages.
As for Metsovon, there is another reason for its progress. In 1655
Achmet IV, the great Vesier of the Sultan was accused of treason and was sentenced to death. But
he escaped execution and fled to the inapproachable areas of Metsovon. The mayor of the town
Kyriacos Phlokas had pity on him and gave him hospitality for three years. Meanwhile the Vezier
was proven to be innocent and he was reinstalled (to his position) in the government. He
therefore sought to reward his benefactor. But the Mayor Phlokas did not wish anything for
himself. He only sought rights for Metsovon which were granted by a Firman in 1659. Thus Metsovon
enjoyed peace and prosperity.
C. P. Zalokostas “The garden of God” Athens 1944 / p. 97.

2. Mandra, i.e. a wall built up of mud brick, used instead of a fence, it encloses the front
lawn of some homes in Greece and it is built about four feet high. No wonder the pious potter was
able to bury the Saint’s skull in that wall. He was digging into mud brick. If it had been a rock
wall, it would have been another story.